40: Chapter 40 Invitation

Time passed in a flash, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had gone by.

The daily routine of cultivation was monotonous and disciplined.

At this moment, Lin Qing sat by the stone table in the courtyard and opened the System interface.

[Host: Lin Qing]

Realm: Skin and Flesh Realm (Breakthrough time: 60 days)

Fused Cultivation Techniques: Origin-Returning Body-Refining Stake, Bone-Nourishing Tendon-Adjusting Stake (Expand)

Recorded Cultivation Techniques: Lunar Visualization Method (38 / 9000), Solar Visualization Method (13 / 9000)

Body Control Rating: Mortal Grade Limit

Recorded Martial Arts: Falling Stone Fist Technique (9 / 100), Cloud-Piercing Sword Technique (0 / 100), Mist-Treading Steps (0 / 100), Sinking Rock Palm Technique (0 / 100), Wind-Slaying Saber Technique (0 / 100)

The clear System interface appeared before Lin Qing's eyes, the information plain to see.

Now that all the second-tier Stance Trainings had reached Perfection, the time required for a Breakthrough had been reduced to 60 days.

It was currently the beginning of September, which meant he would reach the second tier in November, at which point he would still only be fifteen years old.

Yet, amidst the joy, Lin Qing could not help but feel a twinge of regret.

The earth core milk, that supreme treasure that had helped him progress rapidly, had been consumed continuously for days, and now less than forty drops remained.

His gaze swept over the other two Cultivation Techniques on the interface, the "Lunar Visualization Method" and the "Solar Visualization Method"; he had not deliberately spent effort specializing in these two techniques.

During his daily patrols, he would only practice them for a moment when he saw the morning sun during the day or observed the stars and moon at night, gaining a small amount of proficiency.

Cultivation was inherently restricted by the weather; there was no morning sun on cloudy days and no stars or moon on rainy nights.

Coupled with the fact that he focused entirely on the second-tier Stance Trainings, the progress of the two Visualization Methods had always been slow.

Fortunately, thanks to the power of the System, whenever he brought a Cultivation Technique to Perfection, the overall proficiency requirement for the two Visualization Methods would quietly decrease slightly.

Over time, although the progress remained slow, it saved him a significant amount of arduous practice in the future, which could be considered an intangible benefit.

After just reaching Perfection in all second-tier Stance Trainings, the medicinal power of the earth core milk had not yet fully dissipated; there was still about the duration of an incense stick left of its efficacy.

He practiced the "Falling Stone Fist Technique" three more times, but his proficiency only increased by 9 points.

Just as he had expected, after the second-tier Cultivation Techniques reached Perfection, the efficacy of the earth core milk had decreased again, now remaining at only three times.

Lin Qing no longer intended to use the remaining earth core milk for practicing Moves.

In martial arts cultivation, Cultivation Techniques are the roots, and Martial Arts are the leaves.

Cultivation Techniques determine the upper limit of one's cultivation and are the foundation of standing firm in the martial path, which is why he used the earth core milk to Breakthrough rapidly.

However, martial arts techniques were different; they were merely means for combat and killing.

Now, there were still a full sixty days until the Breakthrough in the Body Tempering Realm.

This period was extremely abundant, and relying solely on his own daily arduous practice was completely sufficient to polish all the Basic Martial Arts in his hands to Perfection; there was no need to waste the precious earth core milk.

Days flowed slowly in this kind of plain and stable cultivation and duty.

Withering leaves drifted down; in the blink of an eye, it was mid-October, and the Xia Kingdom had already entered winter.

That afternoon, a servant dressed in the blue clothing of the Wang Family servants came specifically to the outside of the Zhenwu Division, holding a name card, and respectfully sought out Lin Qing, who was on duty.

"Young Master Xie, my Young Miss has prepared some light wine and specially invites you to Move to Yunqi Tower for a gathering tonight."

The servant respectfully handed over the name card, his words humble and polite.

Lin Qing did not decline; he nodded in agreement, accepted the name card, and after finishing his duty for the day, he tidied his clothes and arrived for the appointment on time.

At dusk, the setting sun hung in the western sky, and the evening glow spread across half the firmament, dyeing all the houses and buildings of Yunlan County a warm red.

Lin Qing, alone, walked slowly to the front of the most renowned Yunqi Tower in the center of the county seat.

Yunqi Tower stood in the most prosperous area of the county seat.

It was a five-story pavilion facing the river, with walls built of green bricks and black tiles covering the roof.

The flying eaves stretched into the air, and small copper bells hung from the corners.

As the evening breeze brushed past, they tinkled softly, clear and pleasant to the ear.

The building was not gilded or jade-covered, luxurious and ostentatious like the pavilions of wealthy families.

Its entire body was ancient and heavy, with clear textures on the wooden window lattices, and the layered carvings were simple and elegant, neither gaudy nor vulgar.

The building was five stories high, and leaning against the railing, one could overlook the myriad lights and the murmuring river of the entire Yunlan County; the location was excellent, and the bearing was extraordinary.

This place had always been a gathering spot for the influential figures of Yunlan County.

Young Disciples from the county's noble families, young Prodigies of the Jianghu, and literati all loved to drink, discuss the Dao, chat, and make friends here; it could be considered the most famous restaurant in Yunlan County.

Lin Qing lifted his foot and stepped directly into the main entrance of Yunqi Tower.

The interior decoration was unique, jumping out of the common, opulent, and vulgar layout of ordinary restaurants, perfectly blending the heroism of the Jianghu with the elegance of scholars.

The floor was paved with polished bluestone slabs, clean and tidy, without a speck of dust.

The surrounding walls were not painted with colorful brocades but were hung with ink landscape paintings and freehand sketches of the Jianghu, the brushwork quiet and refined, the meaning long and lingering.

The pillars in the building were all of natural wood color, without complicated lacquer decorations.

Wooden couplets were hung on the pillars, inscribed with poems about knights-errant and short sentences about landscapes, fully displaying their spirit and character.

Just after entering the building, a clever-looking shop assistant dressed in a short jacket hurried up to greet him, his attitude respectful and attentive.

"This Young Master, are you here alone? Or do you already have an appointment?"

Lin Qing's tone was calm as he spoke slowly: "My name is Xie Chen, and I am here for an appointment at the invitation of Young Miss Wang Qingwan."

"So it is Young Master Xie! This humble one knows; Young Miss Wang has already given instructions. Young Master, please follow me!"

Upon hearing this, the shop assistant hurriedly bowed and led the way, stepping up the wooden stairs all the way to the fifth floor.

The fifth floor consisted entirely of independent private rooms, far from the noise downstairs, quiet and elegant.

The assistant stopped in front of an elegant private room at the very end, knocked gently on the wooden door, and announced softly: "Young Miss Wang, Young Master Xie Chen has arrived."

A moment later, the wooden door opened in response.

The one who opened the door was Wang Qingwan's personal maid, Yuaner.

Yuaner was dressed in a plain maid's dress, her eyebrows gentle.

Upon seeing Lin Qing, she immediately curtsied slightly and greeted him, her voice soft: "Greetings, Young Master Xie."

"No need for formalities." Lin Qing nodded slightly.

Yuaner stepped aside, extended her hand in a gesture of invitation, and led Lin Qing into the room.

The layout inside the private room was simple and transparent, without complicated decorations.

In the center was a round table made of natural wood, and exquisite side dishes and warm fine wine had already been placed on the table in advance.

At this moment, only two people were sitting at the round table, both with outstanding figures and extraordinary temperaments.

One was Wang Qingwan, with her beautiful face and gentle temperament.

She wore a light-colored long dress, her makeup was plain and elegant, and her eyes were gentle.

She had shed the anxiety and haggardness from the previous Family crisis; at this moment, her eyes were full of tranquility and gentleness, and her spirit was bright and moving.

And the young man sitting beside her had an even more outstanding bearing.

His figure was as straight as a pine, and he wore a cyan Sect martial outfit made of fine fabric with elegant patterns.

His eyebrows and eyes were clear and handsome, and he carried an air of a transcendent Prodigy, his aura extraordinary.

It was none other than the Qingxuan Sect Disciple, a top Prodigy listed on the hidden dragon list—Ye Lingchuan.

Seeing Lin Qing step into the room, both Wang Qingwan and Ye Lingchuan stood up simultaneously.

Wang Qingwan's lips curled into a gentle smile, and she spoke first, her tone warm and friendly: "Young Master Xie, thank you for coming; please, sit down quickly."

As she spoke, she took the initiative to introduce the two to each other.

She looked at Lin Qing and introduced him softly: "Young Master Xie, this is Ye Lingchuan, who is a Core Disciple of the Qingxuan Sect and also a famous Prodigy on the hidden dragon list among the younger generation of our Yunlan County."

Then she turned to look at Ye Lingchuan, her eyes carrying a hint of tenderness: "Lingchuan, this is the Young Master Xie Chen I often mention to you. He serves in the Zhenwu Division and has helped me many times before; he has a great debt of gratitude from me."

Hearing the introduction, Lin Qing's expression was calm, and he bowed slightly, his posture neither humble nor overbearing: "Young Master Ye, I have long admired your name. The name of a hidden dragon list Prodigy resounds throughout the Xia Kingdom; seeing you today, your bearing is indeed extraordinary."

Ye Lingchuan was also gentle and polite; he immediately bowed in return, his eyes open and sincere: "Young Master Xie, you overpraise me. Wan'er has mentioned you to me many times before; meeting you today is truly a fortunate event. In the past, when Wan'er's Family was in crisis, it was thanks to your hard work and help; Lingchuan thanks you here, Young Master."

Listening to the intimate and natural way he used the word "Wan'er," Lin Qing understood instantly.

In the few months they had not met, Wang Qingwan and Ye Lingchuan had already come together, feelings had secretly sprouted, and they were in love.

People always say that love at first sight is romantic and sincere, but most love at first sight in the world is nothing more than a momentary heartbeat upon seeing someone's appearance, a desire arising from beauty.

True love that can last for a long time never arises out of thin air.

When the Wang Family was deep in crisis, Wang Qingwan took the initiative to get to know Ye Lingchuan.

At first, it was indeed with the utilitarian purpose of using Ye Lingchuan's power to protect her Family, not entirely sincere.

But in human interaction, the precious thing is mutual understanding.

After spending time together, she must have seen clearly Ye Lingchuan's character, bearing, and gentle nature, and Ye Lingchuan also understood her resilience, intelligence, and gentle sincerity.

As time went by, the utilitarian intersection slowly faded, and genuine feelings quietly grew, turning from the initial deliberate approach into the sincere love of mutual pursuit today.

Thoughts flashed through his mind, and Lin Qing's smile deepened as he sat down calmly.

Yuaner stepped forward at the right moment, poured a cup of warm fine wine for Lin Qing, and then silently retreated to the corner to stand in attendance.

The three sat around the table, and the atmosphere during the meal was relaxed and harmonious.

They chatted about scenery, interesting things in the county seat, and chatted a few times about anecdotes of the Jianghu and good stories of the Sect, talking about the customs of various places and interesting talks about the martial path, without any estrangement or awkwardness.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became more intense.

Ye Lingchuan suddenly picked up the wine cup in front of him, his posture upright, and looked at Lin Qing with sincere eyes, speaking solemnly: "Young Master Xie, I have heard from Wan'er. If it hadn't been for your guidance and help, and for acting as a go-between, Wan'er and I would not have had the fate we have today. This kindness of fulfillment, Lingchuan will keep in mind. I toast to you, Young Master!"

Lin Qing was slightly stunned upon hearing this, then laughed.

He hadn't expected that Wang Qingwan would honestly tell Ye Lingchuan about how he had pointed her to leverage Ye Lingchuan's power and take the initiative to make friends.

But upon second thought, he understood completely.

Wang Qingwan's Heart-Nature was open and generous; she never concealed her true self.

She did not want their relationship to begin with a deliberate concealment and calculation, so she treated him with honesty, telling him the original purpose truthfully.

It was precisely this sincerity and openness that allowed pure and sincere feelings to grow between her and Ye Lingchuan.

With this in mind, Lin Qing did not hesitate anymore. He picked up his wine cup, clinked it gently with Ye Lingchuan's, the crisp sound landing, and he tilted his head back to drink the warm fine wine in the cup in one gulp.

The wine was sweet and mellow, lingering in his throat, and the warmth flowed slowly into his abdomen.

After the wine in the cup was finished, Wang Qingwan wore a gentle smile and took out a bright red invitation with exquisite binding and simple elegance from her sleeve, handing it to Lin Qing with both hands.

Her eyes were gentle, and her tone was sincere, carrying a bit of a young girl's joy and expectation: "Young Master Xie, Lingchuan and I are in love and have already set a wedding date. We will be married this December, and we have specially prepared an invitation, hoping that Young Master Xie can spare the time to come and witness it."

Lin Qing took the warm invitation, his fingertips touching the delicate paper, and looking at the neat and elegant "Double Happiness" character on the cover, a warmth genuinely arose in his heart.

He looked at the two talented and beautiful people in front of him, a match made in heaven, and nodded calmly, smiling and agreeing: "Congratulations to the two of you for such a perfect match! I will definitely come to offer my congratulations and attend your wedding banquet."

The night deepened, the evening breeze blew slowly outside the window, the whole city was filled with bright lights, and inside the private room, it was warm and cozy.